Carol Jean Cotten, 83, of Kenna, NM passed away on Tuesday, November 8, 2016 in Portales, New Mexico.
Friends and family will gather to celebrate her life at 10:00 AM Monday, November 14, 2016 at McNett Funeral Home Chapel in Andrews, Texas with Pastor Leonard Cotten officiating. Interment will follow in the Andrews Old Cemetery under the personal care of McNett Funeral Home. The family will receive friends on Sunday, November 13, from 5-8 PM at McNett Funeral Home. Please celebrate the life of Carol by visiting www.mcnettfuneralhome.com.
Carol Jean, the daughter of Robert Emery Morrow and Ruby Ethel Fleming Morrow, was born in Loma Linda, California, October 23, 1933. Carol’s father, Robert Morrow was a decorated WWI soldier of Co. A 5th Separate Battalion U.S.M.C., rancher, and the longest serving state senator of Arizona at that time, serving 24 years in the Arizona Legislature.
Her mother and step-father moved from Kingman, Arizona, to Andrews, Texas, after the close of WWII. Carol Jean attended school in Andrews, Texas, where she met Melvin Cotten in her tenth grade biology class in 1948. The summer before her senior year, Carol’s family moved from Andrews, Texas, to Artesia, New Mexico, where she and Melvin graduated in 1951.
Melvin and Carol were married during the Christmas holiday at the First Assembly of God Church, December 23, 1950. After graduation, they moved to Melvin’s family’s ranch for a short time. Next, they worked at the Ratliff Ranch, in western Andrews County. In June of 1952 they moved to the historic C Ranch.
June 19,1954, their first child, Melvin Leonard was born. In 1955, when Leonard was one year old, Melvin was called to serve his country in the Army. The family moved to Fort Knox, Kentucky. Melvin was then stationed in Frankfurt, Germany. He served in Headquarters Company 3rd Armored Division Honor Guard from July 1956 to May 1957. While Melvin was in Germany, Candy Jean was born January 17, 1957, in Roswell, New Mexico. Following his honorable discharge, Melvin, Carol, and children returned to the C Ranch and lived at the N.A. Camp.
In 1958, Melvin became manager of the C Ranch. He and Carol moved to the C Ranch headquarters in 1962, a place they would call home for over fifty years. Cody Hahl was born August 12,1973. Melvin and Carol later leased the C Ranch, and Carol managed the books.
In 2003 they purchased a ranch in Roosevelt County, New Mexico, where Carol enjoyed her life and grandchildren. Always an admirer of flowers, she raised African Violets that she shared with friends and family.
Carol was a Daughter of the Republic of Texas by lineal descent from Charlotte Collier Goodnight, wife of Charles Foxwing Goodnight. She enjoyed studying the genealogy and history of the Goodnight family.
Melvin and Carol were blessed with seven grandchildren and five great grandchildren. In reflection, looking back over their life, Melvin and Carol stated, “The Lord has blessed our path these many years and to Him we give our thanks and gratitude for the love we have shared, and for the love He has bestowed upon us through our faith in Jesus Christ.”
Melvin and Carol celebrated 65 years of marriage December 23, 2015. Melvin passed into his eternal rest June 22, 2016.
Carol Jean Cotten entered her eternal rest November 8, 2016.
Pall bearers include: Granchildren Justin Cotten, Tell Cotten, Sterling Morris, Hannah Bilbrey, Hope Bilbrey, Holly Bilbrey,Hattie Bilbrey and son-in law Dennis Massengill. Also included are friends Jamie Woods, Russell Bilbrey, and Tooter Jameson.
Honorary pall bearers include: Ann Bailey, Jeanne Bilbrey, Nita Cravens, Glenda Dixon, Barbara Elliott, Carolyn Holmes, Martha Matthews, Janet Otto, Geneva Pace, Billie Don Rains, Connie Robins, and Nancy Ward.
Carol was preceded in death by her husband, Melvin Cotten; her parents, Robert and Ruby Morrow; her brother, Robert “Bob” Morrow; and her sister-in-law, Dottie Morrow.
Carol is survived by her son, Leonard Cotten and wife, Jan, of Midland, Texas; daughter, Candy Massengill and husband, Dennis, of Clarendon, Texas; and daughter, Cody Bilbrey and husband, Travis, of Kenna, New Mexico. Grandchildren include: Justin Cotten and wife, Beth, of Dublin, Texas; Tell Cotten and wife, Andi, of Andrews, Texas; Sterling Morris and wife, Tori, of Portales, New Mexico; Hannah Bilbrey, Hope Bilbrey, Holly Bilbrey, and Hattie Bilbrey, all of Kenna, New Mexico. Five great grandchildren include: Summer Cotten, Emma Cotten, and Katie Cotten, of Dublin, Texas. Also, Klancy Cotten and Ethan Cotten, of Andrews, Texas.
Also, she is survived by her in-laws: Helen and Jack Morris of Midland, Texas; Gayle and Kay Cotten of Hereford, Texas; Bob and Barbara Finney of Muleshoe, Texas; John Farris of Addington, Oklahoma; and many beloved nieces and nephews.
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